Admit it, theme park tickets are pricey! A single-day ticket to Universal Studios Hollywood can cost you more than $100 at the gate, not to mention your first Butterbeer. The secret that every smart theme park fan knows, though, is that your Costco membership is the best hack in the business!
Currently, Costco is offering the Universal Studios Hollywood Season Pass for the low price of $179.99! The ticket is going viral for many reasons, but the biggest reason is the price. You get to save hundreds on your ticket price, not to mention the flexibility to go as many times as you want within the season. Whether you’re a SoCal resident looking to make the most out of your weekends or a tourist looking to make the most out of your trip, Costco’s Universal Studios deals are the way to go!
2026 is also an incredible year for Universal! The park is opening the brand-new Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift roller coaster, the first high-speed outdoor roller coaster with 360-degree rotating ride vehicles on the West Coast! This is the biggest addition the park has seen in years, not to mention the opening of the Fast & Furious: High Speed Heist dark ride. Meanwhile, Universal Orlando Resort is riding the waves of its newly opened park, Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025 to worldwide acclaim! There’s never been a better time to visit Universal than right now, whether you go to the East Coast or the West Coast!
I’m going to take you through everything you need to know about buying Costco Universal Studios tickets in 2026! We’ll go through the deals, season pass information, blackout dates, as well as some tips on saving your hard-earned cash, as well as the pros and cons of visiting the two parks!
History of Costco Universal Studios Tickets
Costco has been offering Universal Studios tickets since the early 2000s. The partnership between Costco and Universal Studios is a mutually beneficial one. Costco members get access to discounted tickets, and Universal Studios gets to sell more tickets.
Over the years, the Costco Universal Studios ticket program has become very popular. Costco now sells more Universal Studios tickets than any other 3rd party retailer. You would think because of this they would offer the best prices..but read on!
Universal Studios Hollywood v Universal Studios Orlando Costco Tickets
But before we get into the details of the discount Universal Studios Costco tickets, let’s take a brief look at what makes each of these places different from one another! Both Universal Studios Florida and Universal Orlando Resort have some similar features, yet Universal Orlando is a more extensive experience due to all of the different parks, lands, and rides available, especially for Harry Potter enthusiasts! Universal Studios Hollywood is a one-of-a-kind experience due to its tour of a working movie studio! Here are some of the biggest differences I think the parks have:
Size and Layout
Universal Studios Hollywood is a one-park resort located on 415 acres of land, including a working movie studio. It has two lots: one is above ground and one is below ground, connected by escalators.
Universal Orlando Resort is a massive resort covering more than 840 acres and includes multiple theme parks, a water park, and an entertainment district. Universal Orlando has three theme parks: Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure, and Universal Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025. Universal Orlando is also home to Volcano Bay Water Park and CityWalk Orlando.
Attractions and Rides
Universal Studios Florida and Universal Orlando have a majority of the same popular rides, including The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade, Transformers: The Ride 3D, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, The Simpsons Ride, Revenge of the Mummy, and more!
However, Universal Orlando also boasts some exclusive rides not found in Universal Hollywood, such as The Incredible Hulk Coaster, Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, Jurassic World VelociCoaster, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley and the Hogwarts Express train, and all five worlds of Epic Universe – Ministry of Magic, Super Nintendo World, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, Dark Universe, and Celestial Park.
Universal Studios Hollywood also boasts a few of its own exclusive rides, such as the iconic Studio Tour, Super Nintendo World (which opened in February 2023), Jurassic World – The Ride, and The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash. The new Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift coaster is also coming in 2026 and will be exclusive to Universal Hollywood.
Super Nintendo World
Both Universal Hollywood and Universal Orlando have a version of Super Nintendo World. While both are similar, Universal Orlando’s version is considered to be larger and includes the rides Yoshi’s Adventure and the Donkey Kong Country land and Mine-Cart Madness coaster, which are not found in Universal Hollywood. Universal Hollywood’s version is also considered to have more interactive spaces to explore!
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Universal Orlando Resort visitors have access to not only Hogsmeade in Islands of Adventure but also to Diagon Alley in Universal Studios Florida and the Hogwarts Express train. Universal Orlando also boasts a third version of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, located in the new Epic Universe and themed around 1920s Paris. This is not possible for Universal Hollywood visitors.
The Forbidden Journey ride is similar in both parks, but the queue and overall experience in Orlando’s Hogsmeade is more immersive!
Studio Tour
The legendary Studio Tour is another major highlight of Universal Studios Hollywood, which takes visitors on a behind-the-scenes look around actual working movie sets and production facilities of a working studio – an experience spanning over 60 years of history. The Fast & Furious Supercharged and the Kong rides are also a part of the studio tour experience in Universal Studios Hollywood but are independent rides in Universal Orlando. This is another experience that is not available in Universal Orlando.
Cost and Tickets
Both Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood are available for purchase through Costco at a discounted rate. Universal Orlando vacation packages are also available for purchase through Costco Travel, which includes a hotel and tickets to the Universal Orlando theme park. Universal Studios Hollywood tickets are relatively easier to purchase compared to Universal Orlando. Before purchasing tickets or packages, it is always a good idea to compare prices and discounts offered by Universal and Costco. Universal and Costco both offer discounts and special packages during different seasons of the year.
Overall Experience
Universal Orlando Resort is a multi-day destination resort, whereas Universal Studios Hollywood is a resort for a one-day experience only.
Universal Orlando Resort is a relatively larger resort compared to Universal Studios Hollywood and has four different theme parks compared to Universal Hollywood’s one theme park and a studio tour. Universal Orlando Resort is a destination resort that requires a lot of planning and time to fully enjoy the experience compared to Universal Studios Hollywood. Universal Studios Hollywood is also expanding and is no longer a half-day experience but a full-day experience due to new additions such as Super Nintendo World and the upcoming Fast & Furious ride! I’m super excited for this ride, from what they’ve shown it looks like a ton of fun!
Where to Buy Costco Universal Studios Tickets
You can purchase Costco Universal Studios tickets online at Costcotravel.com or in-store at your local Costco warehouse. When purchasing tickets online, you’ll need to create a Costco Travel account. Once you’ve created an account, you can browse the different Universal Studios ticket packages and select the one that’s right for you.
Costco also offers Universal Studios tickets for other countries, such as Japan, Singapore, and South Korea.
If you’re unable to find Universal Studio tickets with Costco, we recommend looking at our partner Undercover Tourist! They tend to have amazing offers and deals. No membership required. More details on them below!
What Types of Costco Universal Studios Tickets Are Available?
Costco offers a variety of Universal Studios ticket packages, including:
- Universal Studios Hollywood tickets: These tickets give you admission to Universal Studios Hollywood, where you can enjoy rides and attractions based on popular movies and TV shows, such as The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, and Jurassic World – The Ride.
- Universal Studios Orlando tickets: These tickets give you admission to Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure, where you can enjoy rides and attractions based on popular movies and TV shows, such as The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Transformers: The Ride-3D, and Jurassic World VelociCoaster.
- Universal Studios vacation packages: These packages include hotel accommodations, Universal Studios tickets, and other extras, such as express pass tickets and early admission.
- Costco also sells Disneyland Resort Tickets as well as Walt Disney World Resort tickets in case you’re interested in bundling.
- Universal Studios la Costco (you can translate into Spanish or any other language).
- Search for specific tickets i.e. “Universal Studios Hollywood Tickets”
They also offer several ticket only options:
- Universal Studios Hollywood tickets
- Universal Studios Orlando tickets
- Universal Studios vacation packages with airfare
- Costco Universal Studios tickets with express pass
- Costco Universal Studios Hollywood tickets for families
- Costco Universal Studios Orlando tickets for seniors
- Costco Universal Studios vacation packages with hotel accommodations
- Costco Universal Studios tickets with early admission
Current Costco Universal Studios Discount Tickets
Right now, they’re offering a season pass for only $179.99! This pass gives you an extra 2 months compared to Universal’s official site! Details include:
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Includes one Season Pass to Universal Studios Hollywood.
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Season Pass is valid for eleven months from your registered first visit date.
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First visit is valid only on your registered date.
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Advance registration of first visit date required. Registration may close within seven days prior to (and inclusive of) any visit date. Register for your first visit before you go at www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com/Visit.
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Blackout dates do apply and reservations may be required for return visits.
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There’s a limit of six Season Passes per member.
Universal Studios Tickets Costco available now!
2026 Calendar Blackout Dates Are:
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January ’26: 1–3, 17–19
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February ’26: 14, 15
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March ’26: 21, 22, 28–31
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April ’26: 1–5, 9–12, 18–19, 24–26
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May ’26: 1–3, 9, 16, 23–25
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June ’26: 5, 19, 27–30
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July ’26: 1–31
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August ’26: 1–3, 8, 10, 15
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September ’26: 4–7, 12–13, 19–20, 26
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October ’26: 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25, 31
How To Save On Costco Universal Studios Tickets
There are a few things you can do to save on Costco Universal Studios tickets:
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Purchase tickets in advance: Costco typically offers the best discounts on Universal Studios tickets when you purchase them in advance.
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Look for Costco Universal Studios ticket promotions: Costco frequently runs promotions on Universal Studios tickets. Be sure to check the Costco website and Costco Travel website for the latest deals. Universal is also currently running a “3 Months Free” promotion on Annual Passes (available through April 8, 2026), so it’s worth comparing before you buy!
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Bundle your tickets: Costco Travel offers bundled Universal Studios vacation packages that can save you money, combining tickets with hotel stays. For Universal Orlando specifically, Costco packages can include member-only pricing with added extras.
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Use a Costco Universal Studios tickets discount code: Costco often offers discount codes and promotions for Universal Studios tickets. You can find these on the Costco website and in Costco email newsletters.
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Take advantage of Costco Universal Studios tickets coupons: Costco also offers coupons for Universal Studios tickets. You can find these in Costco mailers and in Costco stores.
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Get a Universal Studios military discount: Universal Studios Hollywood offers specially priced tickets for active duty military, retirees, veterans, National Guard, Reservists, and their dependents. You can purchase discounted tickets online after verifying your military status through the Universal Studios Hollywood website, or at your local military base ticket office.
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Get a Universal Studios AAA discount: AAA members may be eligible for special rates on Universal Studios Hollywood tickets. Availability can vary by location, so check with your local AAA office or the Universal Studios Hollywood website for the most current offers.
If you need help planning your trip, check out our partner MainStreet Travel! They offer the best deals with amazing customer service!
How To Choose the Right Costco Universal Studios Ticket Package
When choosing a Costco Universal Studios ticket package, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- The number of days you want to visit: Costco offers one-day, two-day, and three-day Universal Studios tickets. If you are planning on visiting Universal Studios for multiple days, it is more economical to purchase a multi-day ticket.
- The parks you want to visit: Costco offers Universal Studios Hollywood tickets, Universal Studios Orlando tickets, and Universal Studios vacation packages that include admission to both parks. If you are planning on visiting both Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Studios Orlando, it is more economical to purchase a vacation package.
- The extras you want: Costco offers Universal Studios ticket packages that include extras such as express pass tickets, early admission, and meals. If you are willing to pay extra for these extras, they can save you time and hassle. Universal Studios Hollywood tickets Costco.
Tips for Visiting Universal Studios
Here are a few tips for visiting Universal Studios:
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Arrive 60 minutes early: The parks open at 9:00 AM, but arriving at least 60 minutes before opening is even better — ticket scanning often begins 30 minutes before the official opening time, and a line forms at the gates well before the park opens.
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Head to the Lower Lot first: When the park opens, make a beeline straight down to the Lower Lot (Super Nintendo World, Jurassic World, Transformers, The Mummy). These areas fill up the fastest. Tackle the Upper Lot attractions — including the Studio Tour and Harry Potter — later in the morning when the lower crowds thin out.
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Do the Studio Tour early: The Studio Tour is the defining attraction of Universal Studios Hollywood and one of the most unique experiences in any theme park. Wait times climb quickly after opening, so ride it before 11 AM if possible.
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Visit on a weekday: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays are consistently the least crowded days. The best months to visit for low crowds are January, February, May, and September — avoid summer Saturdays and any major holidays.
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Wear comfortable shoes: You’ll be doing a lot of walking, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes. The park spans multiple lots connected by escalators and steep walkways.
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Bring sunscreen and water: The sun can be strong in California, so be sure to bring sunscreen and water to stay hydrated. If you forget, you can purchase both inside the park — but packing your own saves money.
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Consider the Universal Express Pass: The Express Pass lets you skip the regular standby lines at most rides and attractions. It comes in Standard (one-time use per ride) and Unlimited (unlimited uses) versions. It now includes priority access to Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge in Super Nintendo World. If you’re visiting during a busy period like spring break or summer, it’s worth the investment.
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Take advantage of the single rider line: If you’re willing to ride by yourself, you can skip the regular line and ride some of the most popular rides much faster. Multiple attractions at Universal Hollywood have single rider options.
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Use the Child Switch Program: If you have young children who don’t meet height requirements, take advantage of the Child Switch option. One adult waits in the Child Switch area while others ride, then gets immediate front-of-line access when they return — no double wait.
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Download the Universal Studios app: The Universal Studios app is a great way to plan your day, check live wait times, find your way around the parks, and — crucially — use Mobile Food Ordering to skip restaurant lines.
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Plan around show schedules: Rides run all day, but shows happen at set times only. Check the show schedule when you arrive and plan everything else around it so you don’t miss your must-see performances.
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Watch out for the 2026 Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift coaster: Universal’s newest major attraction is opening in 2026 on the Upper Lot. Expect extra-long lines, especially at opening. If you have an Express Pass, hit it early to get ahead of the rush.
Other Discount Ticket Options for Universal Studios
If you’re not able to get discount tickets for Universal Studios at Costco, we highly recommend checking out our partner Undercover Tourist! They’ve been in the game for a long time now and always have some of the best discounts for not only Universal Studios Hollywood & Orlando, but for Disney Parks, Legoland, Six Flags and more! They’re an authorized retailer with amazing customer service and an easy to navigate site!
Current Universal Studios Discounts and Offers
Universal Studios Hollywood
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1-Day General Admission Tickets starting from $109 when purchased online — prices are tiered by date, ranging from $109 up to $154 for peak days. Buying online always saves vs. front gate pricing.
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3 Months FREE on Annual Passes — now through April 8, 2026, purchase a Silver, Gold, or Platinum Annual Pass and get 3 extra months at no additional cost. Silver Annual Passes currently start from around $206.96.
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Annual Pass with FlexPay option starting from $9 per month to spread out the cost of your Annual Pass over monthly payments.
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VIP Experience tours starting from $379 for a guided tour with front-of-line access, exclusive backlot experiences, and complimentary dining.
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Create Your Own Vacation Package starting at only $125 per person, per night!
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SoCal Resident discount tickets available for Southern California residents, with 1-Day tickets from around $91.77 — a significant savings over standard pricing.
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College student discounts available for select schools and universities.
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Pass member discounts of up to 30% on car rentals with Budget and Avis.
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Military discounts for active and retired U.S. military personnel year-round.
Universal Orlando Resort
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Summer 2026 Stacked Savings Deal — Get a 6-Day or 7-Day Park-to-Park ticket for the price of a 5-Day ticket, PLUS a $300 hotel dining credit on 5-night or longer stays, PLUS save up to an additional $200 with a Bundle & Save discount. Valid for bookings made through May 6, 2026, for travel April 12 – September 3, 2026. This deal brings Epic Universe park access down to as low as $65/day.
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Play 4 days from $74 per day: Enjoy four days of thrills at Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure when you purchase a 2-Park Play 4 Days Promo Base Ticket.
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Get 30% off a 3-park, 5-night vacation package: Save 30% on a 3-park, 5-night vacation package at select Universal Orlando Resort hotels, including Cabana Bay Beach Resort, Aventura Hotel, Stella Nova Resort, and Terra Luna Resort — the two newest hotels with dedicated walking paths to Epic Universe.
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Stay, Scream, and save up to $200: On a vacation package that includes Halloween Horror Nights event admission, hotel accommodations, and daytime theme park tickets. Save more the longer you stay.
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Save 20% on 4-nights at a Universal Studios hotel: Stay at a Universal Orlando hotel for four or more nights and save 20%.
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3-park 5-night vacation package starting from only $89 per person, per night: Stay at a Universal Partner Hotel — just around the corner and right on budget. Or upgrade and stay at a Universal Orlando Resort Hotel.
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Military ticket deals and offers: The 2026 Military Freedom Pass starts at $220 for adults for a 2-Park pass (Universal Studios Florida + Islands of Adventure), and $255 for a 3-Park pass including Volcano Bay.
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Current Florida Resident Ticket offers: Buy 2 Days, Get 2 Days Free on a 2-Park, 2-Day Ticket and Florida Resident Passes from less than $16 per month after down payment.
Tips for Purchasing Universal Studio Tickets Costco
- Check Availability: Costco doesn’t always have Universal Studios tickets available, so check their website or your local warehouse frequently, as inventory can change.
- Costco Membership Required: You need to be a Costco member to purchase tickets or vacation packages through them. The membership fee is $60 per year.
- Look for Package Deals: Costco often offers discounted packages that bundle park tickets with hotel stays and other extras like dining credits or gift cards.
- Compare Prices: While Costco can offer good deals, also compare prices with other authorized ticket sellers like Undercover Tourist or to ensure you’re getting the best value.
- Buy Multi-Day Tickets: If visiting for multiple days, purchasing multi-day tickets from Costco can provide bigger savings compared to one-day tickets.
- Check for Resident Discounts: Costco sometimes offers special Florida or California resident discounts on Universal tickets for locals.
- Purchase Online: You can buy Universal tickets through the Costco website and have them shipped to you or use mobile tickets to skip the line.
- Visit SoCal Warehouses: Only Costco warehouses in Southern California tend to sell Universal Hollywood tickets in-store.
- Consider Annual Passes: Costco may offer discounts on various levels of Universal annual passes periodically.
- Check Blockout Dates: Some of the discounted Costco tickets have blockout dates, so verify those don’t conflict with your travel plans.
Frequently Asked Questions About Costco Universal Studios Tickets
Does Costco Sell Universal Studios Tickets?
They use to. Unfortunately, they don’t sell individual tickets anymore. They only sell Universal Studios vacation packages that include Universal Studios tickets and occasionally a season pass at a discounted price.
Where can I buy Costco Universal Studios tickets?
You can purchase Universal Studios tickets through the Costco Travel website, not the regular Costco website. Log in with your Costco membership, hover over the “Theme Parks & Specialty” menu, and select Universal Orlando or Universal Studios Hollywood to see available ticket options and packages. You may want to search on their site for Costco Universal Studios annual tickets.
What types of Universal Studios tickets does Costco offer?
For Universal Orlando Resort, Costco offers vacation packages that bundle park tickets with hotel stays. They do not sell standalone Universal Orlando tickets. For Universal Studios Hollywood, Costco occasionally has discounted season passes available at Southern California warehouse locations. Online, they may offer Universal Hollywood season passes or ticket bundles periodically.
When is the best time to buy Costco Universal Studio tickets?
The best time is typically during the off-season (fall and winter) when crowds are lower and prices are discounted. You can also watch for promotional sales that Costco runs on Universal Studios packages throughout the year.
Can I return unused Universal Studios tickets bought from Costco?
Costco’s return policy is unclear on unused theme park tickets. Some reports indicate the tickets become non-refundable once purchased, while others suggest you may be able to return them before visiting the park. Your best option is to check with Costco customer service about their current return policy. It may also depend on your situation. They may end up taking back your Costco Universal Studios ticket.
How do I pick up tickets from a Costco Universal Studios vacation package?
For Universal Orlando vacation packages purchased through Costco Travel, you can pick up your tickets at the Universal theme park entrance Will Call kiosks. You’ll need to swipe the credit card used for booking and provide your confirmation number for verification.
Do you need a Costco Membership in order to purchase the Discount Universal Studio Tickets?
Yes. You need to have an active Costco Membership in order to purchase Universal Studios Discount Tickets.
Final Thoughts
Universal Studios tickets from Costco are a great way to save money on your next trip to Universal Studios. With a variety of ticket packages to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect deal for your needs. Be sure to purchase your tickets in advance and look for promotions to save even more money. Check out our post on the top 10 ways to purchase Universal Studios Hollywood discount tickets. Lastly, if you don’t have a membership or can’t find a great deal on tickets, take a look at the most trusted wholesaler online for guaranteed savings!
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